TL;DR

The best boutique hotel you’ve never heard of

First impression

Staff

The bedroom

The crowd

Our Review

How did it strike you on arrival?It looks like a temple, but the ornate entryway set amongst shophouses in this bustling business district enclave actually leads to both the 37-room Amoy hotel and the historic Fuk Tai Chi museum. There’s not much of a lobby, just a simple reception desk, but the space is peppered with a fascinating collection of items from the turn of the century. It’s almost as if you’ve stepped into a collector’s home.

The good stuff: Tell us about your room.Double Deluxe. Small but cleverly designed, with the bathroom and entryway on a sort of mezzanine floor above the bedroom. At about 65-square-feet it was a squeeze for two people, but it’s clear everything has been thought through – the room had all the essentials and then some, like a Nespresso machine and an umbrella. Airport transfers were provided with my stay, and breakfast (included) was at the Dean & Deluca café next door, also run by Far East.

We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?Sleep on the Simmons mattress was lovely and the bed had both microfiber and down feather pillows.

How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?Shophouse décor elements, like latticework above the work desk and a pretty blue-and-white porcelain sink (steal!), really helped to add personality to the room. The mini-bar was stocked with snacks, beer and soft drinks – all complimentary.

Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.The shower floor was wood – a link to the sampans of yore – and the water pressure (rain shower and handheld) wasn’t great, probably because of the age of the building. The Guava Asia toiletries were fresh and cheerful-looking.

Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Not the strongest, but at least it’s free.

Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.Under-the-radar Japanese restaurant JIN on the property serves up great chirashi bowls.

What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?Memorable: The warm, authentic service from the staff. The historic setting is unique too.

Bottom line: worth it, and why?One of the most thoughtfully designed, mid-tier boutique properties in Singapore – with a unique historical element to it. Bonus: It’s steps from the Telok Ayer MRT station and in the middle of a buzzing F&B enclave that’s home to some of Singapore’s best restaurants.